Fetty Wap: US rapper accused of drug trafficking

US rapper Fetty Wap has been indicted on drug trafficking conspiracy charges, federal prosecutors say.

The 30-year-old artist, whose real name is Willie Junior Maxwell II, was arrested at a New York City stadium on Thursday before his concert.

Mr. Maxwell and five other people are charged with carrying drugs, including heroin, to Long Island and New Jersey.

If convicted, they risk life imprisonment at the most.

Maxwell has so far made no public comment on the matter.

“As alleged, the defendants transported, distributed and sold more than 100 kilograms [220lb] of deadly and addictive drugs, including heroin and fentanyl, on Long Island, deliberately contributing to the opiate epidemic that has ravaged our communities and claimed too many lives, “US attorney Breon Peace told CNN.

“We will continue to work tirelessly with our law enforcement partners to protect our neighborhoods from the scourge of dangerous drugs and gun violence,” he added.

Mr Maxwell’s debut single, Trap Queen, peaked at number two on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 2015 and many of his subsequent hits have made it to the prestigious American chart.